ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – To celebrate 100 years of creating dignity and compassion through the power of work, Goodwill of the Great Plains is hosting a customer appreciation celebration, featuring a ribbon cutting by the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, at the Aberdeen retail store at 424 S. Brown Co. Hwy 19 at 11:00am on July 27. Mayor Travis Schaunaman will also present a proclamation to recognize the historic anniversary at that time.
From 11:00am-1:00pm, customers at the Aberdeen store will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a $25 gift card to the store, while the first 100 customers of the day will get a coupon redeemable for 25% off their total purchase. Complimentary lunch provided, while supplies last, from 11:00am-1:00pm!
Starting as Wall Street Mission in Sioux City in 1890, Goodwill of the Great Plains joined the international Goodwill movement in 1923. The organization’s territory has since expanded, with 21 retail stores in a four-state territory. The retail store in Aberdeen opened in 2012; a 22nd store will open in Vermillion, SD in 2024.
“Goodwill’s ability to tackle community needs would not be possible without the generous support of donors and shoppers,” said Goodwill of the Great Plains President & CEO Briget Solomon. “Our retail program provides jobs to community members, a place for job training opportunities for those enrolled in our programs and helps fund the work of Goodwill.”
Goodwill founder Edgar J. Helms (a Spirit Lake, Iowa native) explained it best – Goodwill is a business PLUS. It exists for service, not for profit. As such, Goodwill of the Great Plains operates mission programming throughout its territory, advocating for economic self-sufficiency through employment and education.
The organization’s commitment to engage community members in workforce development, quality-of-life and support services carries on strong to this day. In 2022, more than 400 people were placed into community jobs after utilizing our services. We accomplish this through various job training programs and placement services, which include four regional Job Centers, a new Career Cruiser (a Job Center on Wheels!) and more.